Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former chief executive of Alberta Health Services (AHS), has applied for a summary judgment in her $1.7-million wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the provincial government. She alleges that then-Health Minister Adriana LaGrange improperly ordered her firing in January, usurping the AHS board's authority, and that she was terminated for investigating contracts benefiting private companies. The government disputes these claims, stating she was fired for incompetence.
Ex-CEO of Alberta health authority asks for quick ruling in wrongful dismissal suit
Canada
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former chief executive of Alberta Health Services (AHS), has applied for a summary judgment in her $1.7-million wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the provincial government. She alleges that then-Health Minister Adriana LaGrange improperly ordered her firing in January, usurping the AHS board's authority, and that she was terminated for investigating contracts benefiting private companies. The government disputes these claims, stating she was fired for incompetence.
Trending- 1 January 8: Athana Mentzelopoulos is fired from Alberta Health Services.
- 2 February: The Globe and Mail first reports Ms. Mentzelopoulos's $1.7-million lawsuit allegations.
- 3 Early March: Premier Danielle Smith appoints Raymond Wyant to conduct an independent review based on Ms. Mentzelopoulos's allegations.
- 4 May: The Alberta government undergoes a cabinet shuffle, restructuring Alberta Health Services and creating new health ministries.
- 5 May 30: Original deadline for Raymond Wyant's interim report; timeline is extended.
- 6 Monday (June 10, 2025): Athana Mentzelopoulos applies for a summary judgment in her lawsuit.
- 7 September 24: New deadline for Raymond Wyant's interim report.
- 8 October 15: New deadline for Raymond Wyant's final report and recommendations.
- Lawsuit ongoing against the provincial government
- RCMP probe initiated into the allegations
- Created a political headache for Premier Smith's government
- Independent review timeline extended
- Alberta Health Services restructured into multiple ministries
What: Athana Mentzelopoulos, former CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS), applied for a summary judgment in her wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the Alberta government. She alleges improper firing by the Health Minister and that she was terminated for investigating contracts benefiting private companies.
When: Monday (application for summary judgment), January 8 (Ms. Mentzelopoulos's firing), February (Globe and Mail first reported allegations), Jan. 6 (Ms. Mentzelopoulos informed ministry of Auditor-General meeting), Jan. 7 (Ms. LaGrange organized informal meeting with directors), end of January (Ms. LaGrange dissolved the board), early March (Premier appointed Raymond Wyant for independent review), May (cabinet shuffle), May 30 (original interim report deadline, extended), Sept. 24 (new interim report deadline), Oct. 15 (new final report deadline).
Where: Alberta (provincial government, health authority), Edmonton (Court of King’s Bench).
Why: Ms. Mentzelopoulos alleges she was fired improperly by the Health Minister, who she claims usurped the AHS board's authority, and that her termination was retaliation for investigating contracts benefiting private companies. The government claims she was fired for incompetence and resisting strategies to reduce surgical waiting times.
How: Ms. Mentzelopoulos filed an application for summary judgment in the Court of King’s Bench in Edmonton. The government intends to oppose this application. The lawsuit has sparked an RCMP probe and an independent review by Raymond Wyant.